EPA Burn Wise

Learn Before You Burn With Trinity Chimney!

The magic of a crackling fire hinges on more than just striking a match. The type of wood, the art of building the flame, and the hearth itself combine to create a symphony of warmth or a cacophony of soot. The EPA Burn Wise Program is your knowledge database, guiding you to a safer, more efficient, and utterly enchanting fireside experience. See below for some frequently asked questions.

What Are Some Best Wood-Burning Practices?

A well-installed and properly used wood-burning appliance should exhale clean air, not billows of smoke. If your fireplace or stove persistently puffs out plumes, it’s time to investigate. In this section we will discuss the following:

Building a Fire: An Efficient and enchanting fire starts with good firewood and a good fire-building technique. Firewood should be seasoned for at least six months (stored off the ground, with ONLY the top covered). Pro tip: Buy and burn locally cut firewood to decrease the risk of transporting invasive forest pests to your property. Learn how to properly store your firewood by watching the informational video below:

Once your firewood is properly seasoned and you are ready to use your wood stove you are going to want some tips for a long-lasting burn! Watch this video from the EPA to get tips from a certified chimney sweep on how to achieve a long-lasting, efficient fire: Tips for a Long-Lasting Burn.

What Not to Burn: Igniting the wrong materials in your stove or fireplace can be a dangerous and damaging mistake. The following items can release harmful chemicals into your home and wreak havoc on your appliance:

  • Household trash, such as cardboard, plastics, foam, and the colored ink on magazines, boxes, and wrappers.
  • Coated, painted, and pressure-treated wood.
  • Ocean driftwood, plywood, partial board, or any wood with glue on/in it.
  • Wet, rotted, diseased, or moldy wood.
  • Plastic, asbestos, rubber, manure and animal remains.

What Are The Health Effects of Wood Smoke?

While the smell of wood smoke might be cozy, it’s important to remember that smoke can contain tiny particles that can affect your health. These microscopic particles can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, leading to symptoms like watery eyes or a runny nose. It is important to know who is at risk from wood smoke to ensure you are burning wood responsibly.

How To Reduce Creosote Formation?

Great news! The key to a clean-burning, efficient fire lies in understanding and controlling three critical factors. Focusing on these elements can significantly reduce creosote buildup and enjoy optimal heat output from your wood-burning appliance.

  • Burning Habits Matter: The way you manage your fire directly impacts creosote formation. Hot, consistent fires are essential for burning off creosote before it can solidify on chimney walls. Avoiding smoldering fires and allowing ample airflow will help maintain high temperatures.
  • Fuel is Key: Burning only dry, seasoned wood is crucial. Moisture in wood hinders combustion, producing more smoke and creosote. Seasoned wood burns hotter and cleaner, maximizing heat output and minimizing chimney deposits.
  • Upgrade Your Appliance: Modern wood-burning appliances are designed for efficiency and cleaner combustion. Replacing an older, inefficient model with a newer, certified appliance can dramatically reduce creosote production and improve overall performance. Is your wood stove EPA-certified? If not, use this EPA Wood Stove Database to find the perfect option for you and your home!

How to Burn Wise with an EPA Catalytic Stove?

EPA catalytic stoves use a catalytic combustor to recirculate and burn the smoke that otherwise would leave the chimney with dirty wasted fuel. This stove is more efficient if you load it fully and the air controls will regulate the rate of burn if you do not want a high temperature. To learn more about how to burn wise with an EPA Catalytic Stove watch the video below!

How to Burn Wise with an EPA Non-Catalytic Stove?

EPA-certified non-catalytic stoves create their efficiency with a heavily insulated firebox. The insulation keeps the heat in which creates a hot environment that encourages more complete combustion. They use a secondary combustion area to ignite and burn more gases and soot particles. To learn more about how to burn wise with an EPA Non-Catalytic Stove watch the video below!

Ready To Learn More?

To speak with a Trinity Chimney professional to learn more or to choose a wood-burning appliance for your home, please call 443-602-4306 or click the link below.